Everyone has a China Grill story.

During the halcyon days of South Beach, China Grill was where Miami came to celebrate- at a time when just about every moment was a cause for celebration. It was the backdrop for birthdays, anniversaries, business deals, pregame dinners before unforgettable nights out, spontaneous meet-cutes, and Valentine’s Day dinners that somehow didn’t begin until 1 a.m. It was where our favorite club mixes filled the room, where locals rubbed shoulders with celebrities, and where just about everyone we knew – or eventually became friends with shared a table at one time or another. China Grill wasn’t simply one of Miami’s hottest restaurants. It was an institution. A cultural landmark, an era of dining and nightlife that many still consider the golden age of South Beach.

For nearly two decades, it was far more than a restaurant-it was the heartbeat of South Beach and the place where unforgettable nights began. Housed in the same iconic building as Ocean Drive magazine, the publication that catapulted South Beach onto the global stage, China Grill became the epicenter that defined an era of dining, nightlife, and celebrity culture. Tastemakers and celebrities – including Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Lenny Kravitz, Dennis Rodman, Ricky Martin, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and countless athletes and supermodels gathered alongside South Beach personalities, promoters, club owners and local luminaries.

From there, the night continued through the evolution of Miami nightlife – from Amnesia, Bar Room, and GrooveJet to Liquid, Level, Crobar, Living Room, BED, SET, Mansion, Mynt, Skybar,  and eventually LIV – each venue defining its own chapter in South Beach history. One night, after dinner at China Grill, we boarded a party bus with Adrian Grenier’s entourage on our way to SET- the site of Miami Socialholic’s fabulous launch party in 2009.

Now, China Grill has returned at Bal Harbour Shops, and it’s clear the legend is alive and well.

Walking through the doors felt less like visiting a new restaurant and more like coming home. Familiar faces, shared memories, and conversations all began with stories of the original China Grill. The energy was unmistakable, and the unique flavors that made China Grill famous have remained remarkably true to the originals while introducing exciting new dishes worthy of becoming modern classics.

The new space is sophisticated, elegant, and beautifully designed, striking the perfect balance between contemporary luxury and the unmistakable China Grill spirit. 

The expansive outdoor terrace is a standout feature, complete with ceiling fans and outdoor air-conditioning units that make alfresco dining surprisingly comfortable—even during a Miami summer. Seriously…why can’t every outdoor restaurant in Miami do this?

No visit is complete without beginning with the restaurant’s signature Lobster Pancakes. Filled with wild mushrooms, red chili, scallions, and coconut milk, they remain every bit as decadent as longtime fans remember.

The Crackling Calamari Salad, dressed with its signature lime miso dressing, continues to deliver the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors that made it a must-order for decades.

The Grilled Szechuan Beef remains a standout, signature favorite—tender beef paired with sake, soy, spicy shallots, crispy matchstick frites, and two irresistible sauces.

Of course, no China Grill experience is complete without the Peking Duck. Served with housemade pancakes and hoisin sauce, it remains one of Miami’s most celebrated dishes.

While the classics remain, the new menu introduces additions worthy of attention. The Chilean Sea Bass is buttery and perfectly prepared, complemented by hearts of palm, soy-ginger brown butter, and fresh herbs. The Onion Soup Dumplings transform the comforting flavors of French onion soup into delicate dumplings filled with rich, savory broth. The Crispy Shrimp & Mango Beggars’ Purses combine succulent shrimp, tropical sweetness, and Thai sweet chili sauce into one exceptional bite.

Choosing the best side is nearly impossible. The Wasabi Mash remains every bit as addictive as remembered, while the luxurious Truffle Mash is equally spectacular. Consider it a tie—both deserve a permanent place on every table. Also noteworthy is the Crispy Spinach which is so light, airy and delicious that it will delight even the spinach-averse.

The cocktail program is every bit as creative as the cuisine. Marco’s Escape, crafted with Suntory Toki Whisky, Chinola Passionfruit, lemon juice, passion fruit purée, basil, and ginger beer, is bright and refreshing. The Mango Mirage delivers pure Miami energy with Bacardi Rum, Chinola Mango, mango purée, lime, mint, and soda. Silk & Spice brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness with Corazón Tequila, jalapeño, cucumber, mint, lime, and agave. To finish, the Café Champa offers an elevated espresso martini experience with Grey Goose Vodka, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, espresso, and condensed milk. And while it’s not currently on the menu, the Lychee Martini deserves a special mention—it may be one of the best we’ve ever tasted.

Our return to China Grill began with an unforgettable brunch that perfectly captured the spirit of its comeback. The room was filled with the same effortless glamour that made the original legendary—friends lingering over cocktails, conversations flowing from table to table, and that unmistakable Miami energy that turns a meal into an occasion. It felt less like discovering a new restaurant and more like revisiting an old friend, proving that some experiences never go out of style.

China Grill hasn’t simply reopened.

It has reclaimed its place in Miami’s story. For those who remember the original, it’s a chance to relive the magic. For a new generation, it’s an opportunity to discover one of the restaurants that helped shape Miami’s dining scene and continues to set the standard for destination dining. 

Some restaurants reopen.

China Grill returns.

Welcome back, old friend.

China Grill’s Hours
Monday–Thursday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Sunday Brunch: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
Sunday Dinner: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM

China Grill Bal Harbour
9700 Collins Avenue, Suite D-135
Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Phone: (305) 404-9700  

https://chinagrillbalharbour.com

*Restaurant photos courtesy of China Grill

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Arguably the best party of the year, the 20th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, an elegant “Oz Reimagined”-themed gala, took place on Saturday, November 1, welcoming nearly 1,000 guests, who gathered to dine, dance and donate to one of the worthiest causes: the Make-A-Wish foundation. The highlight of the glamorous celebration, was a thrilling concert by the “Queen of Motown,” Diana Ross- the most outstanding performance we’ve seen at a party since Donna Summer performed at Destination Fashion in 2007 (this writer’s first official social column for The SunPost). Ross, dazzling in a red, bejeweled halter pantsuit, wrapped in red organza, entered the stage singing “I’m Coming Out” and had guests enthralled as she performed other chart-topping hits such as,”Baby Love,” “Upside Down,” “Do You Know,” “Stop-in the Name of and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” And while Ross’ performance was the crown jewel of the Ball, there was plenty of glittery goodness leading up to the concert. From the gold carpet, to the cocktail reception filled with culinary delights created by InterContinental Miami Executive Chef Alexander Feher, including seafood served on an ice bar shaped like the trees from OZ, to the premier items at the Ball’s silent auction, and special appearances by Dorothy and her crew, the Wicked Witch and Glenda and the “Voice of Oz” that summoned revelers to the Main Ballroom for dinner- the night was filled with the enchantment we’ve come to expect from the unparalleled Make A Wish Ball. Inside the Ballroom, guests were captivated by both the splendor of the room’s white-on-white decor and the beauty and wit of Gabrielle Anwar, who returned for the fourth consecutive year as Celebrity Emcee and Auctioneer. In what has become a Ball tradition, Gabrielle and fiancé,  Ball Chair, Shareef Malnik opened the night’s festivities with a creative dramatic moment. This year’s involved Gabrielle engaged in steamy dialogue with a faceless “Oz” – actually the voice of  Shareef — who eventually revealed himself, emerging from underneath the voluminous skirt of Gabrielle’s emerald green ball gown, eliciting a roar of laughter from the room and setting the stage for the more serious task of raising money for Wishes. A touching moment came courtesy of South Florida Wish recipient Nicole Graziano, who sang a touching rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Over 1000 guests flew in from all over the globe for nightlife impresario/ philanthropist/entrepreneur (Swiss Army Knife) Michael Capponi’s 40^th birthday party benefit at Capitale in New York City on May 4- a veritable who’s who of the city’s top nightlife heavyweights, models, celebrities and promoters.  No stranger to extravagant birthday bashes, Capponi has celebrated past birthdays in a tree-house mansion in Nygard Cay; aboard a pirate ship at the now defunct Jimbo’s; and in an airplane hangar at Opa Locka airport to name a few.  We had no doubt that Capponi would pull out all the stops for his latest milestone, which, as expected, would require an airplane ride.

This year’s Jacmel Carnaval themed event shone a spotlight on Capponi’s progress in providing quality education, diverse vocational training, industry development and job creation in Haiti throughout his 60 trips to the island nation since the devastating earthquake in January 2010. Capponi created the Haiti Empowerment Mission, to which Capponi’s guests donated a whopping $120, 000.  Read the rest of this entry »

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Seeing the Light:  Bianca the Delano

On Thursday night, the highly anticipated Italian restaurant, Bianca opened at the Delano Hotel to the delight of over a thousand guests who made their way across the eternal lobby into the restaurant and braved the limestone along the pool for the indoor/outdoor celebration.

While celebrities and VIPs dined inside the restaurant and on the terrace, partygoers enjoyed bites, libations and musical performances by Chris Botti and Little Louie Vega, (strange bedfellows indeed) out by the pool.  Vega’s dance tunes were abruptly halted by Botti’s intoxicating trumpet, which was accompanied by a gorgeous violinist who played in the pool, yes, IN the pool.  The music was captivating, especially when Botti played the theme from Cinema Paradiso, one of our favorite movies of all time.  The performance brought on a melancholy mood which was quickly interrupted by the site of a group of drunken models traipsing through the pool- there are just certain elements of this iconic hotel that will never change.  After which, Little Louie Vega took over again and was joined by Michelle Rodriguez for his second live set. Read the rest of this entry »

Oh Jack Ambassadors

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

While the biggest frights this Halloween weekend came courtesy of the weather, enthusiastic partygoers braved gale force winds, torrential downpours, lighting and floods to get their spook on.  Some of the best parties included the Heroes and Villains bash at Soho Beach House, the “Oh Jack”— Jack the Ripper-themed Halloween party at Highbar at Dream South Beach, the Little Lighthouse Foundation’s “Nightmare Above Lincoln Road” at the garage at 1111 Lincoln Road and Michael Capponi and the Opium Group’s Angels and Demons party in a mansion on Pine Tree Drive.  But, regardless of the party’s theme, Halloween means one thing on South Beach- “Go naked!” (and accessorize)- Making for lots of treats and tricks on this hallowed weekend.  So, in the spirit of all of the ghoulish fun, enjoy the photos of the Cheap Tricks, Eye Treats, and Freaks- who came out at night- in droves.

Read the rest of this entry »

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